Driving Time between Bend, Oregon and West Linn, Oregon

A picture depicting driving

The Ultimate Guide to Driving from Bend, Oregon to West Linn, Oregon

If you're planning a road trip from Bend, Oregon to West Linn, Oregon, you're probably wondering how long the drive will take. While the distance between these two Oregon cities may seem like a short trip, driving times can vary significantly based on the route you take and traffic patterns. In this post, we'll explore the different driving routes and travel times to help you plan your trip.

The Fastest Routes

The quickest route from Bend to West Linn is via US-97 North and I-5 North. This route covers approximately 150 miles and can be completed in just over 2.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions. You'll take US-97 North out of Bend, which becomes US-197 North and merges with I-84 West in the Dalles. From there, you'll take I-5 North until you reach your destination in West Linn.

Another fast option is to take OR-126 West out of Bend, which merges with US-20 West in Sweet Home. Follow US-20 West, which becomes I-5 North in Albany, until you reach West Linn. This route is slightly longer, covering roughly 190 miles, but can still be completed in under 3 hours.

The Scenic Route

If you have more time and want to enjoy some stunning scenery along the way, you may want to take a more leisurely route that takes you through the heart of the Willamette Valley. Follow US-20 West out of Bend until you reach Sisters, a charming town with plenty of restaurants and shops for a lunch stop. From there, take OR-22 West, which will take you through the scenic Willamette National Forest and past Detroit Lake. Continue on OR-22 West until you reach Salem, where you can hop on I-5 South to complete your journey to West Linn. This route covers approximately 220 miles and can take 4-5 hours depending on your pace.

Time to Hit the Road

Keep in mind that driving times can vary significantly based on traffic patterns, so it's best to plan your trip around peak traffic times. If you're traveling during rush hour, be prepared for more stop-and-go traffic that can add 30 minutes or more to your overall driving time. Based on average traffic patterns, we can estimate driving times as follows:

  • Fastest route via US-97 and I-5 North: 2.5-3 hours
  • Fast route via OR-126 and I-5 North: 3-3.5 hours
  • Scenic route via US-20 West and OR-22 West: 4-5 hours

No matter which route you choose, be sure to make plenty of stops along the way to stretch your legs, snap some photos, and enjoy the scenic beauty of Oregon. Happy travels!